Psalm 9:1-2
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
2 I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High..
With Christmas being just about 3 weeks past, I’ve learned that the thrill and luster of my children’s Christmas gifts have worn off. This realization came as I was driving my 5 year old daughter to school, who asked with anticipation of getting more gifts, “Daddy is my birthday soon?” I told her, “we just celebrated it in September, you have a long time before you get anymore presents.”

I found it fascinating how quickly she forgot about all the gifts she just received and already wanted something new! But then I realized that her being a child, and having such an insatiable thirst for more, was not much different than how I can be at times when I find myself not grateful for what God has already done…

The rebuke God brings upon our hearts when we no longer think back as to what He has already blessed us so abundantly with, causes us to recount His goodness and be grateful. Imagine if gratitude for God in what we already have symbolized our character? We would not be as discontented and complaining, but more grateful with the people and blessings God has given us, resulting in praise like David!

Many times the desire for something new to happen, whether in a relationship, job, or living situation has more to do with our discontentment with God and His goodness, than a lack of needs being met. Like my daughter, newness brings anticipation and excitement, always looking for what’s next. While gratitude looks back, and recounts, and considers how good God (and others) have been. Allowing the “what’s next in life” to die, and contentment to reign through a relationship of faith in God for who He is, not for what He can give next.

In His Love, Ld